YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Oosterom

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2013-08-19

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2019-10-29

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un-security-council

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1. “I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less.”

   2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

2. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I would like to warmly welcome the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, and to give him the floor.”

   2018-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8201 (2018) · source

3. “As OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, we believe that Italy will build bridges as successfully as it did during its time on the Council. We pay tribute toits leadership both at the I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. OSCE and the United Nations. The meeting rose at 4.45 pm.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

4. “In the context of Ukraine, the Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to recall resolution 2166 (2014), which demanded that those responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 be held to account and that all States cooperate fully with the efforts to establish accountability. We mourn the victims of the downing of MH17 and would like to express our sympathy with their families and loved ones. In conclusion, today is 8 March, International Women's Day. In that context, I particularly welcome Mr. Alfano's words highlighting the importance of gender equality, in line with the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality. We greatly appreciate Italy's active role in initiating a network of Mediterranean women mediators, through which we believe it will move the OSCE forward in that area.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

5. “I reiterate my country's full commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We call on all the parties involved to fully implement the Minsk agreements. That should begin with the withdrawal of heavy weapons and a sustainable ceasefire. The OSCE's role in the Trilateral Contact Group and the Special Monitoring Mission are crucial to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. It is absolutely essential that the Special Monitoring Mission be allowed to do its important work without impediments. The monitors must have full, safe and unhindered access to all parts of the conflict zone. Any obstructions of the Mission's work or threats to its staff are unacceptable and must stop immediately.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

6. “Through its comprehensive security approach, the organization is able to deal with all the dimensions of security, including its political, military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. Its field offices and independent institutions 4 the High Commissioner on National Minorities, the Representative on Freedom of the Media, and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights - play an important role in that regard that I would like to highlight. In this way, the OSCE provides space for dialogue within all three dimensions, and does so in an inclusive manner. That brings me to my third point, the situation in eastern Ukraine. The ongoing foreign interference in Ukraine constitutes a serious violation of the founding principles of the OSCE.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

7. “As a crucial regional organization, the OSCE complements the work of the Security Council on the basis of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. It plays a central role in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution in the region. It also plays a crucial role in the quest for peaceful settlements of the protracted conflicts on the territories of Georgia, Moldova and Azerbaijan, which must be resolved in accordance with international laws and OSCE commitments. My second point concerns the OSCE as an organization for dialogue, whereby it offers its 57 participating States a unique platform for promoting peaceful solutions to conflicts in Europe, based on commonly agreed principles.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

8. “I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I would first like to pay tribute to Foreign Minister Alfano for his briefing today in his capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). It is a privilege to see him back in the Council during the second year ofour split term. The cooperation between the Governments of Italy and the Netherlands during our split term on the Council for 2017 and 2018 is a great example of European cooperation and political leadership. Today I will focus on three points - the OSCE as a regional security organization, the OSCE as an organization for dialogue and the situation in Ukraine.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

9. “In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Angelino Alfano, Chairperson-in- Office ofthe Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, to participate in this meeting. The Security Councilwill now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, members and non-members of the Council alike, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues. Briefers are encouraged to limit initial remarks to 15 minutes or less. I now give the floor to Mr. Alfano.”

   2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8200 (2018) · source

10. “There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 5p.m.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

11. “We have to keep that in mind during the mandate-renewal discussions. Let me conclude by reiterating our sincere gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her and her team's relentless efforts. Together, we must work towards a better future for the Congolese people. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I wish to encourage speakers under rule 37 to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

12. “Therefore, our univocal support for MONUSCO, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Secretary-General to effectuate good offices is indispensable. The Council must therefore show the will to monitor progress and equip MONUSCO in that regard. My third point is on the protection of civilians, which must remain a priority for MONUSCO. We are very concerned about the upsurge in violence in Ituri over the last weeks. Sadly, it is not the only area where we see increased fighting and civilian casualties. MONUSCO is adapting to the circumstances through the "protection through projection" approach. It is the shared responsibility of the Council, the Secretariat, the troop-contributing countries as well as of the Congolese authorities to ensure that the conditions are met to make this a success.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

13. “Fundamental freedoms are threatened. The Kingdom of the Netherlands condemns the violence used during the protests held on 25 February. All harassment of civil society, journalists and human rights defenders must end. We call on all parties to recommit to the spirit of the Saint-Sylvestre agreement in order for the upcoming elections to gain the trust of the Congolese people. My second point concerns the role of MONUSCO this year leading up to the elections. MONUSCO has a Vital role to play in that context, not only in providing logistical support but also in supporting the implementation of the Saint-Sylvestre agreement, building trust among all actors and monitoring progress towards the elections.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

14. “I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The year 2018 is a crucial year for the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the Security Council prepares to renew the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), I would like to make three points: first, on the political process; secondly, on the role of MONUSCO in the elections; and thirdly, on the protection of civilians. My first point, on the political process, the people of Democratic Republic of the Congo look forward to the country's first peaceful transfer of power through free, fair and credible elections at the end of this year. Progress towards that historic day continues, while progress in the implementation of the 31 December Political Agreement has stalled.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

15. “I thank Ms. Zerrougui for her briefing. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

16. “Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, members and non-members of the Council alike, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and to focus on key issues. Briefers are encouraged to limit initial remarks to 15 minutes or less. I now give the floor to Ms. Zerrougui.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

17. “Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document 8/2018/128, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of the 31 December 2016 political agreement, and document S/2018/l74, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

18. “The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo Report of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of the 31 December 2016 political agreement (S/2018/128) Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2018/174) The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in this meeting. On behalf ofthe Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Leonard She Okitundu, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

19. “I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Mansour Alotaibi, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, for his service as President of the Council for the month of February. We were impressed by the great quality of his work. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Alotaibi and his team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”

    2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source

20. “In conclusion, we must ensure that resolution 2254 (2015) is fully implemented. There can be no military solution to the conflict, and we call on all the parties to engage seriously in the United Nations-led political process as a matter of urgency. The suffering of the people of Syria has lasted for more than seven years. For the sake of the millions of women, children and men trapped in this horrendous war, it is high time that all parties started putting the protection, interests and well-being of the Syrian people on the top of their agenda. Yesterday, my Minister, Ms. Sigrid Kaag, said that humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are cornerstones of international humanitarian law. They are part of our shared values and shared humanity. The Security Council must do justice to those values and to our shared humanity.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

21. “If voluntary evacuations do take place, we will call on the United Nations to monitor them. Currently, the most urgent humanitarian situation is in eastern Ghouta and Idlib, but needs remain high elsewhere in Syria as well. We welcomed the January delivery of aid to Rukban, but we want to stress the importance of sustained access and a durable solution. As others have said today, the demining activities in Raqqa should be increased, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is doing its part in that regard. The media coverage of the issue of the exploitation of Syrian women in exchange for aid is very disturbing. There should be no tolerance of such behaviour, as the Secretary-General and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have already said. The probity of any United Nations implementing parties should be beyond any doubt.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

22. “The exception on the cessation ofhostilities in paragraph 2 of the resolution allows targeted action against terrorists who are designated as such by the Council. However, that does not mean that absolutely anything is allowed. International humanitarian law applies to all military combat operations and counter- terrorism actions. The principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must be respected in all circumstances. The civilians in the conflict must be protected. There is talk of humanitarian corridors for civilians who want to leave eastern Ghouta, but evacuations should always be voluntary. We are concerned about the possibility that humanitarian corridors will be used for forced population transfers. Civilians cannot be forced to leave, and neither should they be forced to stay.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

23. “But the necessary facilitation letters are still lacking, and the security conditions do not permit those deliveries. At this point, more than 1,000 people are in urgent need of medical care, but they are still trapped in eastern Ghouta. If they are not given the care they need in hospitals in Damascus or elsewhere, they may die. The United Nations and the Security Council have consistently pleaded for these medical evacuations, and yet there are still no developments with regard to them. We also need to see access to aid for those fleeing the fighting in Afrin. More generally, there should be delivery of humanitarian aid to the areas that are not under Government control. As Mr. Feltman just said, we should reach all who are in need, wherever they are. My third point is about implementing the protection ofcivilians.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

24. “The Kingdom of the Netherlands repeats the call made by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, to the Astana guarantors. She called on the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Iran and Turkey to "take all necessary steps to ensure that the fighting stops, the Syrian people are protected and that urgent humanitarian access and necessary medical evacuations are taking place". My second point is about the implementation of humanitarian access. Resolution 2401 (2018) calls for sieges of populated areas, including eastern Ghouta, to be lifted immediately, and demands safe, unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian convoys. As Under-Secretary-General Lowcock just explained, the United Nations stands ready with 45 trucks to deliver essential aid to eastern Ghouta.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

25. “Those five hours do not meet the obligations under the resolution and are not enough for the United Nations to be effective in delivering aid to the entire area of Ghouta, as Under- Secretary-General Lowcock just stated. We call upon the parties to the conflict and on those with influence on the parties to show decisive action and stop the violence. As Under-Secretary- General Feltman stated, three armed opposition groups in eastern Ghouta have announced that they are committed to fully implementing resolution 2401 (2018). We expect the regime to do the same. The air strikes, the shelling and the shooting must stop. For the credibility of the Council, it is crucial that its resolutions be fully implemented. That is the obligation of all States Members of the United Nations, under the Charter.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

26. “First, let me thank Under-Secretaries-General Lowcock and Feltman for their briefings. In my statement I will address three points: implementation, implementation and implementation. First, I will speak about the implementation of the cessation of hostilities. Since the Council adopted resolution 2401 (2018) on Saturday, civilians are still dying in eastern Ghouta and elsewhere in Syria. The humanitarian disaster continues worsen. We need a full, nationwide cessation of hostilities and we need it now. The Russian proposal for a humanitarian corridor and pauses of five hours per day cannot be a substitute for a humanitarian pause of 30 consecutive days, as demanded in resolution 2401 (2018).”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source

27. “The political actors in Guinea- Bissau should realize that resolution 2404 (2018), adopted today, speaks in clear words of the Council's readiness to take additional measures to respond to the possible further worsening of the situation in the country. We hope that it is a message that will resonate in Guinea-Bissau and be heard by ECOWAS and the African Union. The resolution supports the concerted action taken thus far to achieve tangible progress in finally resolving the Guinea-Bissau crisis. Let us all continue to support the concerted action ofthe five actors on the ground: ECOWAS, the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the United Nations and the European Union. The meeiing rose at 10.30 a.m.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8194 (2018) · source

28. “We thank Cote d'Ivoire for its arduous work in trying to ensure the support of the Security Council for the efforts of the West African region to resolve the deadlock in Guinea-Bissau. We continue to support and endorse the mediation efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its imposition of sanctions. ECOWAS has consistently demonstrated that, when united, it has the ability to act as the region's power-broker, as it did in the crisis in The Gambia last year. Like then, the Council should also firmly demonstrate its support for ECOWAS in assuming that role and responsibility. The African Union has unequivocally supported the efforts of ECOWAS and has, through its Chairperson, asked us to follow suit.”

    2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8194 (2018) · source

29. “My Minister also received encouraging messages suggesting that many parties are eager to engage with the new Special Envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths. We welcome his appointment and assure him of our full support. Let us give him sufficient time to build on the work already done, talk to the parties and put forward his initial ideas. The Council should then consider further concrete steps on how to support his efforts. Only when the parties show the courage and leadership to make the necessary compromises and put the interests of the Yemeni people before their own will a sustainable political solution be possible.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

30. “In that context, let me highlight in particular the rampant gender-based violence, as highlighted by Mr. Ging earlier. The Group of Experts has begun its work, and should receive full support and access from all parties to fulfil its mandate. In conclusion, we again demand meaningful political negotiations, humanitarian access and respect for the law. My Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sigrid Kaag, recently visited the region. She raised concerns about these persistent issues with all counterparts, thereby demonstrating our long-standing commitment to the Yemeni people. This year the Kingdom of the Netherlands marks 40 years of bilateral development cooperation with Yemen. We are long-standing partners. Therefore, Yemen remains a priority for us, both inside and outside of the Council.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

31. “Let me also take this opportunity to salute those working both outside and inside of the country to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni population. The humanitarian community works under very difficult circumstances and it deserves our praise, gratitude and support. My third point is on the issue of accountability. In recent months we have seen an increase in the number of civilian casualties. The obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law are very clear. We once again urgently call on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law. Together we must foster adherence to the law. The Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen was mandated by the Human Rights Council to carry out a comprehensive examination of all alleged violations and abuses and to identify those responsible.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

32. “Nonetheless, further steps are still needed, such as full and sustained access for all humanitarian and commercial shipments to all of Yemen's ports and airports. The Yemeni people cannot survive on humanitarian aid alone. Furthermore, all parties should fully cooperate with the work of the United Nations verification and inspection mechanism. Fast clearing services for shipping companies transporting commercial imports are pivotal. We call on all member States to refrain from inspecting vessels that have already been cleared by the mechanism. We will continue to work with all our partners in the Council to have those issues addressed in the presidential statement to be made in the coming days.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

33. “We have consistently condemned all indiscriminate attacks that have had a disastrous impact on the civilian population, including the Houthi ballistic missiles against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The people of Yemen suffer from the incessant fighting, and, as least as much, from the lack of food, water, sanitation, fuel and access to health care. Ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access is not an act of mercy, it is an obligation under international law. We welcome the positive steps that have been taken, including the installation of cranes at Hudeydah port and the generous pledge of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to the humanitarian response plan.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

34. “First, regarding the political process, it is essential that all parties seize this moment to turn the negative trend of the past year around. As pointed out by the Panel of Experts, there is a grave risk of fragmentation in Yemen. If local grievances and regional divisions are not addressed, a political agreement is unlikely to last. Therefore, the political process must be an inclusive one. It should include a broad range of Yemeni groups, with the meaningful participation of women and youth. That brings me to my second point, namely, the humanitarian imperative. In the absence of a political settlement, we draw the Council's attention to the humanitarian crisis. The protection of civilians from the armed conflict must be front and centre in our efforts.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

35. “Before I start, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the Chamber of the members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Parliament. Their attendance today is a great honour for my delegation. I would like to convey our particular gratitude to Special Envoy Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed for his final briefing to the Security Council, and especially for his persistent efforts over the past three years in trying to bring the parties together to solve this terrible conflict. His words instil in us a powerful sense of urgency. The human tragedy in Yemen, man-made and entirely avoidable, is one of the largest food and health crises the world has seen in decades. Today I will focus on three issues, namely, the political process, the humanitarian imperative and accountability.”

    2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source

36. “Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to call on all the parties to work with the newly appointed United Nations Envoy to achieve an inclusive political solution.”

    2018-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8190 (2018) · source

37. “We regret that draft resolution S/2018/156, submitted by the United Kingdom, was not adopted. We voted in favour of resolution 2402 (2018) because the sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Yemen needed to be renewed. We strongly support the Panel and the sanctions regime in question. We regret that our concerns regarding non-compliance with the arms embargo, violations of humanitarian law and problems with humanitarian access are not adequately addressed in the resolution that was adopted. We feel very strongly that the Security Council should address the humanitarian crisis as a separate Council product, and we hope that a text to that effect can be finalized as soon as possible.”

    2018-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8190 (2018) · source

38. “It is a first step in the right direction, but much more is needed - a political solution, accountability and the return of refugees. The Council should remain seized of the matter and closely monitor the implementation of the resolution, starting today. The Council should reconvene without delay if the situation demands it.”

    2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source

39. “All United Nations States Members have an obligation to make sure that the words of the resolution are implemented without delay. The Syrian authorities in particular have a specific responsibility towards their own people. The resolution means that all parties must cease hostilities without delay. All parties must engage immediately for a sustainable and durable humanitarian pause of at least 30 consecutive days throughout Syria to enable the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and services and to enable medical evacuations of the critically sick and wounded, in accordance with applicable international law. The implementation of the resolution means the cessation ofhostilities, the delivery ofhumanitarian aid and urgent medical evacuations.”

    2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source

40. “On Wednesday, during the high-level debate on the Charter of the United Nations, I quoted one of the founding fathers of the United Nations, Ambassador Stettinius (see S/PV.8185). He said that the members of the Security Council had the obligation to agree so that the Council may be able to act and act effectively. Today we finally managed to agree to end the atrocious violence in eastern Ghouta; to end attacks against hospitals; and to end the killing of innocent civilians, including women and children. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the unanimous adoption of this crucial resolution - resolution 2401 (2018). Let me thank the co-penholders in particular - Kuwait and Sweden - for their tireless efforts and skilled diplomatic work. We pay tribute to them. Today we have a resolution, now we need to see action on the ground.”

    2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source

41. “Let us adopt the realistic, clear and balanced draft resolution as it stands, end the violence and allow access for humanitarian assistance.”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

42. “But with sufficient political will on the part of the parties involved in Syria, the cessation of hostilities can become a most urgently needed reality. The Council showed forceful action when it adopted resolution 2393 (2017) in December 2017 to alleviate the suffering in Syria by allowing for vital cross-border humanitarian aid. Let us again show forceful action. Let us prove to the world that we can agree to put the safety of civilians first, throughout Syria. The human suffering in Syria, in particular in Ghouta, must end. We need a cessation of hostilities now. We call on the Russian Federation in particular to use its influence, do its utmost to achieve that objective and allow the Council to act effectively.”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

43. “We pay tribute to the prudent, inclusive manner in which Sweden and Kuwait have organized negotiations on the draft resolution. We wholeheartedly support the Swedish-Kuwaiti appeal to support their text. The draft resolution includes clear and implementable measures. We fully support an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria to enable aid convoys to deliver food and medicines to all those in need, and the safe medical evacuation of the critically ill and wounded. That must happen as soon as possible. Parties to the Syrian conflict and those with influence on them have a heavy responsibility to assure the safety of humanitarian operations and to ensure that no forced evacuations of civilians take place. In conclusion, some Council members say that the draft resolution cannot be implemented because it is not realistic.”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

44. “The lack of compliance with the Geneva Conventions by parties to the Syrian conflict erodes the very norms enshrined therein. It also erodes the rules-based international order. We cannot let that happen. The carnage in Syria must stop. The Council must take effective, credible and decisive action today. The world is watching. We call upon all parties to the Syrian conflict, in particular the Syrian regime and its allies, to stop the targeting of civilians, stop the attacks on hospitals and facilitate immediate access for humanitarian organizations to deliver much needed aid. That brings me to my third point, which is action by the Council on the cessation of hostilities. We thank penholders Kuwait and Sweden for negotiating a draft resolution during the past two weeks that addresses the dire situation in Syria.”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

45. “While the indiscriminate bombardment of civilian-populated areas continues, desperately needed humanitarian aid, including medical aid, for the people of eastern Ghouta cannot be delivered. We condemn the incessant violence and the barbaric tactics of besiegement. We have seen those tactics before. If we think back to Aleppo in December 2016, the same scenario took place. The regime turned that city into an unlivable hell where civilians were imprisoned, constantly targeted from the air and cut off from any form of aid. The Council should not stand by and watch a repetition of such events in eastern Ghouta. Secondly, concerning the erosion of international humanitarian law, in witnessing the sheer disregard for human life, we must ask ourselves: What has become of the hard-won gains in the area of international humanitarian law?”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

46. “Communities in eastern Ghouta have experienced the most intense bombardments since the beginning of the siege in 2012. Mortars are also being fired into Damascus. Families do not have a safe place to hide. Women and children are dying. Last Monday, the United Nations reported, over a period ofjust 13 hours, at least, 92 civilian deaths in eastern Ghouta, and the total death toll since Monday appears to stand now at approximately 300. We continue to receive reports of attacks on hospitals and of the renewed use of chemical weapons, thereby leading to the inhumane suffering of civilians and those who try to help them. We pay tribute to the humanitarian efforts of the White Helmets. We condemn targeted attacks against them.”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

47. “We thank the presidency for convening this meeting, and I thank Mark Lowcock for his sobering briefing. I will address the following three points: first, the escalation of violence in eastern Ghouta, secondly, international humanitarian law, and, thirdly, action by the Security Council. First, with regard to the escalation of violence in eastern Ghouta, we are meeting at a moment of grave distress for the people in eastern Ghouta and elsewhere in Syria. We have seen the extreme escalation of violence in Idlib and eastern Ghouta, which was initiated a few weeks ago by the Syrian regime and its allies. That has severely intensified over the past several days and continues without pause, as Mark Lowcock clearly described. We condemn all indiscriminate attacks directed against civilians.”

    2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source

48. “He became President ofthe General Assembly in 1954. He expressed the wish that the United Nations should not limit itself to international peace and security. It should also create international law, an international legal order. The Charter, including the Statute of the International Court of Justice, made his wish come true. The Hague proudly hosts the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and many more international organizations that play a key role in that international legal order. Those institutions are based on the Charter. As one of the founding fathers of the United Nations, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains committed to promoting and protecting the international legal order and the Charter.”

    2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source

49. “The human suffering in Syria, especially in Ghouta, must end. We need a cessation of hostilities now. We call the Russian Federation in particular to use its influence and do its utmost to end the hostilities and enable the Council to act effectively. I hope that if we do have a meeting on Ghouta tomorrow, it will lead to effective action by the Council to end the violence. In conclusion, today marks the twenty-seventh year since the liberation of Kuwait from aggression. It is a powerful example that the Council can be effective when it is united and determined. It can succeed, but only if its members fulfil the special obligation they have assumed. As Ijust said, it is their obligation to agree so that the Council can act, and act effectively. Mr. Eelco van Kleffens was head of the Dutch delegation in San Francisco in 1945.”

    2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source

50. “The Council must also ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted and brought to justice. When chemicals are used as a weapon, the Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons should act. A total of 115 Member States, including my country, support the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group's code of conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Of course, we also support France and Mexico's initiative on renouncing the use of the veto by permanent members when mass atrocities have occurred. It is our view that Security Council members have an obligation to agree so the Council can act effectively. That applies particularly to the current situation in Syria, as the Secretary-General highlighted today.”

    2018-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8185 (2018) · source